19 May 2009First Review for 36 Bottles ...
The first outside review of the 36 bottles inaugural release of wines was provided at the New Releases tasting at First Glass Wines in Takapuna Auckland on 6 May 2009.The 36 bottles Pinot Noir 2008 and Pinot Gris 2008 were tasting a line up of over 15 wines. Douglas Brett, winemaking director, says he was very pleased with the reviews written for both wines by well known and respected wine critic Sue Courtney of www.wineoftheweek.com, "it is very gratifying when you receive good reviews of your wines from someone such as Sue, who has an excellent palate."
Patrick Caudle, Marketing manager, said "it was a nervous time waiting for the first reviews of our new wines, but this is a good pointer for us that our hard work and vision for our wines will pay off for consumers and ourselves."
Sue Courtney's reviews of the 36 bottles wines published on her web site, www.wineoftheweek.com, are as follows -
Pinot Gris 2008 -
36 Bottles Central Otago Pinot Gris 2008
Straw yellow. The nose is subtle and at first seems neutral but apple, flowers and hints of musk are coaxed from the glass however the taste is immediately so much brighter. It's quite zingy with flavours of creamy soda, apple, lime and earthy nuances reminiscent of cultivated white mushrooms with underlying honey adding to the light viscosity of the texture. There's a richness to the wine and warmth from the alcohol and for Pinot Gris, it has good acid spine. Gosh, even Kingsley liked it.
13.5% alc. Screwcap. $26.99.
36 Bottles Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008
Bright, crimson-tinged, translucent red. Smoky, aromatic, herbal aromas lead into a full-flavoured palate. Initially quite meaty, savoury and toasty with a juicy deliciousness, it has cherry fruit with an appealing sweetness and a hint of violet adds to its allure. It's spicy, smoky and silky textured with a hint of mocha and a zesty infusion to the long lasting finish.
14% alc. Screwcap. $34.99.
